New HK$122 million lifeguard outsourcing contract sparks public spending concerns
A controversial decision by Hong Kong authorities to award a HK$122 million (US$15.6 million) lifeguard and first aid services contract to a company previously found to have failed to provide the required staffing at swimming pools has sparked concerns over whether public funds are being used prudently.
The Leisure and Cultural Services Department on Saturday defended the decision, saying it was satisfied with Spotlight Enterprises’ performance over the past two years and that it had strictly followed the government’s procurement procedures.
The department outsourced services at six public swimming pools in September 2024 in a trial scheme to tackle long-standing lifeguard shortages, awarding two contracts worth a total of HK$75.9 million to Spotlight Enterprises for two years of services.
The pools were Island East, Tai Kok Tsui, Lam Tin, Tung Cheong Street, Tsing Yi Southwest and Ping Shan Tin Shui Wai.
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